Monday, August 7, 2017

Overwhelmed??

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Y’all…THIS post!

“Satan wants us tired, worn thin, and stressed. He wants us in debt up to our eyeballs, and our health failing because we can’t sleep enough, eat right, or handle our stress effectively. He wants husbands and wives fighting over finances, disrespectful teens who learned how to treat their parents based off Nickelodeon sitcoms, and thousands of young children sexually abused by the adults we’re so quick to place our trust in. He wants us busy, but not productive. He wants our plates full, but our tank empty. He wants us looking to society for what’s best for our families, not God’s word as a lamp to our feet. He wants the family unit ripped apart, and many times I look around and see us letting him. We’re not even trying to take a stand.

I’d like to believe that it’s not too late. We can still fight to save our families. Perhaps it all comes down to stepping out in wisdom, courage, and truth for our family. In a world that’s so busy Keeping Up With the Kardashians, maybe it’s time to be a Little House on the Prairie. What do you think?”

Shew! That’s good, right? Ehhhh, maybe good isn’t the word I’m looking for here. Maybe TRUE would be a better fit. It’s a great post though & I’m so glad it went viral because it’s definitely some food for thought our generation needs. I, for one, would totally love to see our society make that shift, wouldn’t you?

If there is one thing I am seeing as a common denominator amongst most of the ladies that I talk to, it’s that we are OVERWHELMED. (And I’m including myself up in therrrr for sure.) We are a society full of “busy plate, empty tank” women. For me, there is always something I could be doing, so I want to make sure I’m doing the most important things. But, there are other things that don’t necessarily feel important, yet still have to be done! (Laundry is one of those things for me. That lil ole laundry fairy still hasn’t made her appearance. Still trying to get Jonathan on board with “it doesn’t have to be washed just because you wore it once. Ha!)

The thing is, I feel pretty confident that God didn’t mean for us to constantly feel overwhelmed…exhausted, frustrated, frazzled, BUSY; or whatever “overwhelmed” means to you.

I have been studying the Proverbs 31 woman the past few weeks. (Actually, it has been put in my path multiple times by others too, so I know it’s something the Lord wants me to focus on right now.) And can I be honest? Sometimes when I study that Scripture, I just feel totally inferior & inadequate. Anyone else? Like, how in the WORLD does this lady get so much done?? She is some kind of superwoman and there are some days I’m like “can I just find an extra 2 minutes so I can shave my legs?” Sometimes I allow it to discourage me rather than challenge me…and it makes me just wanna throw in the towel because I feel like I’ll never be that kind of woman. In fact, there was one day about a week & a half ago where I was filling out our family calendar and literally was so overwhelmed that I started crying to Jonathan. He is a really, really good man, and I am so grateful he helps me to be the best version of myself. So his response to something like this from me is usually (exactly what I need to hear for my personality type)…”suck it up and let’s get it done.” Maybe not quite such harsh words, but that’s the message.

And, he is right.

Here’s what I feel like the Lord has been revealing to me about the Proverbs 31 woman.

She just flat out GETS it done. She probably does it tired, but she’s not complaining about it. She makes it happen. And the ONLY way she can do that without being completely overwhelmed is by staying plugged in to THE power source. Our mighty Savior. Because ladies, we can’t pour from an empty cup, and there is no way we could accomplish what she is able to accomplish in our own power. It is only through the power that is within us.

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So here’s what I think about it. We need to find our “big picture” vision for our life. What kind of legacy do we want to leave? What is our purpose? How are we striving to make a dent in eternity? If something isn’t lining up with that vision, it’s gotta go. (Except laundry…cuz as much as I would love to give that up, it’s just socially unacceptable to let your fam run around nakey everywhere.) Like, off the calendar. We need to learn to say NO to some things. And even when we are doing that, there will most likely still be a lot of YESES on the table. And that’s okay too, because Phil 4:13 tells us that we CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. If we allow HIM to be the one who strengthens us, we CAN accomplish a lot without constantly feeling overwhelmed.

And maybe for you it’s more of an overwhelming circumstance (a health issue, financial hardship, etc.), relationship (wayward child, broken relationship, struggling marriage), or emotion (grief, depression, etc.) rather than an overwhelming schedule. It’s the same solution. Back to “the rock that is higher than I.” We have to go back to the Word, study the promises, and focus on the Truth. For some that may be daily…for some maybe even more often.

So that’s it. That’s what I’m learning. Life most likely isn’t going to slow down any more for us any time soon. So I pray I’ll allow the Lord to order my steps each day and put the most important tasks at the forefront so I can accomplish what is in HIS will for me. I pray I’ll stay plugged in to the power source (daily) for renewal- through prayer, praise, fellowship with other believers, and reading the Word. I pray I’ll allow Scripture to encourage me if I catch myself feeling overwhelmed, so I can focus on the TRUTH of God’s Word and not the lies of the enemy. I pray He will refresh my mind, strengthen my hands, & renew my spirit so I can work joyfully in this full plate of life. And I pray I’ll remember that each task I accomplish must be for HIS GLORY alone with eternal purpose in mind.

I celebrated my 32nd birthday today, and I couldn’t help but think…Lord, THANK YOU for such a FULL life. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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So, here are some verses to encourage you…those of you with an overwhelmed soul.

Romans 15:4-5 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 41:13 For I hold you by your right hand–I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 50:15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.1 Corinthians 16:13 Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Matthew 11:28  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Psalm 61:1-4 O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter!

3 comments:

Jenn @ Bliss to Bean said...

After journaling, "I'm overwhelmed" this morning, your post was much appreciated. Is there a book on the Proverbs 31 woman you would recommend? I'm finding that my daily morning routine of reading devotionals, putting them into my own words, and then journaling my own thoughts and feelings is helping me not lose my mind all day. Happy Birthday pretty lady! Thanks for sharing your heart.

Moonsparkle said...

Happy Birthday! I find your blog inspiring. :)

Kelley said...

Have you read the book "My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife'? This lady attempts to follow the aspirations of the Proverbs 31 woman, detailing her failures and successes along the way. I love that you added the verses dealing with being overwhelmed. I have been going through a lot lately, with big decisions coming up that I need to bring to the Lord. Happy Birthday!